Eastern Mediterranean University Faculty of Education hosted a panel entitled “Education in Cyprus After a Possible Solution: Tolerance and Reconciliation” at Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tahiroğlu Hall on 17 May 2016.
At the panel opening, EMU Education Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Ülker Vancı Osam stressed the importance of introducing an educational system established upon empathy, tolerance and reconciliation for future generations. Prof. Dr. Osam also highlighted the essence of both communities’ academic and educational readiness for a possible solution in Cyprus. Prof. Dr. Osam also provided information about Faculty of Education and thanked all those who contributed to the event.
Rector of EMU Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam also delivered an opening address during which he stated that we live in an area desperately in need of peace. Prof. Dr. Osam also highlighted the fact that students in EMU may experience problems and difficulties due to ongoing wars and conflicts but are provided with a peaceful environment during their studies in EMU. Extending his appreciation to all those who contributed to the panel, Prof. Dr. Osam wished all participants a productive event.
Following the opening addresses, Prof. Dr. Niyazi Kızılyürek, Prof. Dr. Abbas Türnüklü, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şenel Hüsnü Raman and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sıtkiye Kuter delivered presentations at the panel which was held under the moderatorship of Faculty of Education, Turkish Teaching Department Chair Prof. Dr. Ahmet Pehlivan.
At the beginning of the panel, Chair Prof. Dr. Pehlivan started the panel by highlighting the necessity of the review the existing system in terms of “respect towards differences’, “reconciliation”, “tolerance” and “values training” in the light of the EU norms. First speaker Prof. Dr. Abbas Türnüklü provided a summary of ten basic necessary changes which need to be applied on the current education program in the event of a possible agreement. Prof. Dr. Türnüklü also stressed the importance of enhancing the collaboration between Turkish and Greek Cypriot teachers and students, developing the social and emotional sufficiency as well as their conflict management skills concurrently, producing child and adolescent series in which Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot young actors and actresses star and screening of the said series on TV. Prof. Dr. Türnüklü, also highlighted he importance of Turkish and Greek students mastering each other’s language at least at A2 level.
After Prof. Dr. Türnüklü, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şenel Hüsnü Raman talked about how to overcome the prejudice existing between the two communities. In this respect, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şenel Hüsnü Raman provided information about various scientific research conducted in Cyprus and stressed the importance of overcoming feelings of hostility in a mutual way.
In her presentation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sıtkıye Kuter stated that the educational systems of countries ranking within the top 15 should be adopted. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kuter also stressed that management of both communities’ educational system by a higher organisation is rather important.
Finally, Prof. Dr. Niyazi Kızılyürek stated his agreement with all opinions communicated within the panel. Prof. Dr. Niyazi Kızılyürek also added that whilst reviewing an educational system, one should not avoid realities and difficult issues as the only method of solving problems is facing the truth.